Moving on up

DogRescuer

DogRescuer

New member
Joined
Apr 6, 2013
Messages
1,801
Reaction score
0
I've been learning /using the gg6 now for quite a while but I'm ready to move up.

Can someone help me decide what my next choice or level polisher I would step up to?
 
DogRescuer said:
I've been learning /using the gg6 now for quite a while but I'm ready to move up.

Can someone help me decide what my next choice or level polisher I would step up to?
Click to expand...

Long Throw or maybe Flex 3401.

If it's for personal use I'd recommend a 15mm throw if you go with long throw DA. A little more versatile for the weekend warrior.
 
DogRescuer said:
So flex 15mm?
Click to expand...

No, Flex 3401 is 8mm forced rotation. I was suggesting 15mm throw if you decide to go with a Rupes or Griot's long throw DA. Rumor has it, Flex is releasing a new long throw DA at SEMA. Might want to wait and check that out.
 
Some type of rotary.

For me, the increase in performance is negligable. The 3401 really shines on heavy oxidation, but for your everyday swirls I feel like I can get comparable results from my Porter Cable. Same with the Duetto.

They do offer a smoother running experience, but I can't tell you how many times I just end up putting the PC back into play.

The only time I lose cut on the PC is when the pad loads up. Even using something like Ultimate Compound, it cuts hard enough that after a couple of passes, I turn over the machine, and see that residue build up that's clogged up my pads. This even after cleaning them after every section cycle.

The 3401 and the Rupes are both nice though. I'm considering the next Flex XCE for either the shop, or the mobile rig.
 
I just upgraded from my GG6 to a FLEX 3401 and so far am very happy. I just couldnt get my head around why a bigger throw and no forced rotation is "better" than a GG6. Its the same principals, and same "problems" that the GG6 has... stalling on curved panels.
 
I was in the same boat and after a lot of discussion (and multiple PMs to forum members) I went with the Flex. For me, it was about the forced rotation and not feeling beat up at the end of the detail.
 
I am in the market for a new machine as well and i am going to go Flex 3401. Direct drive random orbit action, to me, is the best of both a PC and a rotary.
 
But in those moments of pad stall the pad is still making those orbits. 8mm vs. the other large ones. Fixed sanders remove material with no rotation.
 
I've had a hard time moving on from my PC. The biggest problem I have is the cost of a Flex and then upgrading pads too. I have a shop so my investment would have to be $500 or more to have enough pads to last a while.

I can tell you that experimenting with different pad types and compounds will help you find a surprisingly fast and effective cutting combination for a DA.

The only complaint I have about DA's is the noise and vibrations. I've found my PC XP and combos to be effective and fast in my shop, I only grab my rotary for extreme oxidation or heavy damage or giant vehicles like crew cab trucks because of the large working surface they cover. Still have to finish down with a DA to ensure a great finish in natural light.

I haven't been able to use a forced rotation DA, so I don't know what I'm missing, but so far I haven't felt like I need to be completing work faster or seen a need for it given all the versatility the PC has to offer.

Very rarely do I look at a vehicle in my shop and think ! $@#!!! I need to use my rotary to fix this.
 
dlc95 said:
Some type of rotary.

For me, the increase in performance is negligable. The 3401 really shines on heavy oxidation, but for your everyday swirls I feel like I can get comparable results from my Porter Cable. Same with the Duetto.

They do offer a smoother running experience, but I can't tell you how many times I just end up putting the PC back into play.

The only time I lose cut on the PC is when the pad loads up. Even using something like Ultimate Compound, it cuts hard enough that after a couple of passes, I turn over the machine, and see that residue build up that's clogged up my pads. This even after cleaning them after every section cycle.

The 3401 and the Rupes are both nice though. I'm considering the next Flex XCE for either the shop, or the mobile rig.
Click to expand...

I agree, thats why coming from a DAS6/Rupes15/Flex3401 my next machine has to be considerably more powerful. The only polisher that meets my criteria or makes sense is the Flex PE-14.
 
what type of your do you do the most; heavy paint correction, light polish, AIO?

i upgraded from my PC to a Rupes 15 last year. love the machine, it's amazing how much faster and longer you can work when your hands don't go numb from vibration.

there are a lot of new/upgraded machines coming out this year so you have a twice as many choices now. i personally love my Rupes machine/pads/poliches all work great together. i have also contumplated picking up a FLEX 3401 for heavy correction and curvy vehicles.

with all that being said i think the Rupes 21 mark 2 is next on my list.
 
My upgrades went GG6 -> Flex 3401 -> GG21.

I used the first two for about a year each before wanting to upgrade. The GG6 now serves as my 3 inch machine and works very well.

The Flex 3401 was an absolute workhorse of a machine. It obliterated any chaseable defect I threw at it and was not as bad about walking away as people made it out to me. It makes you refine your technique. However, it ran a little hot for my liking and while smooth, not as much so as the long throw machines. It still left me a little tired. It sounds like all of these concerns have been addressed in the new XCE model.

The GG21 is my favorite polisher I've ever used. I do not have extensive experience with the LHR21 even though I've used it before(as well as a Zentool, a couple rotaries, and the PC7424), so I cannot fairly judge the two(GG21 vs LHR21) directly. The GG21 is unbelievably smooth, powerful, and comfortable to use. It's smooth with any pad but the thin ones make it honestly like you're barely using a buffer. I enjoy the two year "bumper to bumper" warranty it comes with and the lifetime one on non-replaceable items that it carries beyond that. The GG15 probably would have served me as well as I only do part-time work with paint correction and the like. It will certainly be plenty of machine for my personal use.

Then there is going to be all the new stuff coming from SEMA that will likely be worth waiting for. We live in a very exciting time for detailing! Tons of great products and tools out there all for the taking.
 
I've had great performance from my GG6 with 4" and 5.5" pads--never had a stalling problem and it's done everything I've asked of it with the right pads and products.

But, the vibration and need to apply pressure was getting to these old bones so I went with the Boss G15 and use the GG6 full time with 4" pads for the tight spots.

Since I do this just for my own cars and sometimes friends or relatives I went with the G15 since I didn't need the correction speed of the 21 and felt I'd be able to get into more tight areas with the 15 vs 21.

Couldn't be happier!! The 15 has cut my polishing time almost in half and without the fatigue of using the GG6 for 6-8 hours as there is almost no vibration (with the new B&S Low-Pro pads) and very little if any pressure required.

And I feel secure with both the GG6 and G15 knowing Griots has my back with the lifetime warranty if anything should ever happen with the polishers.
 
Zubair said:
I agree, thats why coming from a DAS6/Rupes15/Flex3401 my next machine has to be considerably more powerful. The only polisher that meets my criteria or makes sense is the Flex PE-14.
Click to expand...

Seems a lot of people want more power, less pad stall, more correction, etc, etc.. The simple answer to it, is a rotary. No d/a can reach the speed of a rotary. Yes, similar results can be achieved via microfiber pads, and a corresponding polish, but it seems that people are getting very proficient in their buffing, and that the machines can't keep up with them. They want to correct faster, use faster arm movements, lighter pressure, smoother operation, etc. That's rotary.

Not that the d/a doesn't have it's place. I actually prefer them. I prefer the options, ease of use, and uncomplicated operation of the PC. It doesn't heat up, it doesn't require a proprietary system of pads and liquids, and doesn't cost much relatively speaking.

I'm not looking to unload my toys though! I'm keeping them. I guess it's the years of operation between the 7424xp and myself that it consistency works best for me. I've never experienced noticable, uncomfortable vibrations from any of the PC'S I've operated... I do alway make sure they're fitted with the 6" counter weight. They seem to want to "swing" more with those installed. Like the additional weight helps keep the inertia up, resulting in more robust pad spin. Could be me though too.
 
@dlc95 (Rick Rude) dude, you're a drummer..you have forearms of steel. I'm old and beat up. LOL
 
I can't really relate to most of you, however, I started with rotary a very long time ago. However I do have my fair share of DAs (PC, PC-xp, mt300, G15) and one long thrown DA. For me, I'll sometimes start with DA but I'll quickly grab the rotary. It has faster correction power and not to mention it will in most case, remove to least amount of clear coat.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top